The co-founder and CEO of Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers, Todd Graves is a successful businessman and entrepreneur. Graves’ entrepreneurial journey is a remarkable story of perseverance, hard work, and dedication. This has led him to amass a considerable net worth over the years. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at Todd Graves net worth and how he built his fortune.
Who is Todd Graves?
Todd Graves is a self-made entrepreneur who was born in Louisiana in 1972. He grew up in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and attended Louisiana State University. There he majored in business management. After graduating from college, Todd Graves embarked on a mission to open his fast-food restaurant. His idea was to create a restaurant that served only chicken fingers. And he was confident enough that this concept would be a success.
In 1996, Todd Graves opened the first Raising Cane’s restaurant in Baton Rouge, with his business partner, Craig Silvey. The restaurant was an instant success, and within a few years, Todd opened several more locations across Louisiana. Today, Raising Cane’s has over 700 restaurants. It’s still growing around the world.
In fact, Todd Graves is more than just a successful entrepreneur and CEO. He is a man with a heart of gold and a generous spirit that has made an impact on his employees, customers, and communities. With recent headlines showcasing his willingness to give back, it’s no wonder people are curious about his net worth. So now, let’s take a closer look at the man behind the chicken fingers and analyze his reported net worth.
How much was Todd Graves Net Worth?
As of 2023, Todd Graves reportedly owns a net worth estimated to be $150 million. He has been able to accumulate this wealth through his successful business ventures. To say, it’s primarily through his Raising Cane’s. His impressive fortune is an indication of the success of his business and the popularity of his restaurant chain.
Key Points to Know About Todd Graves
Net Worth $150 million
Full Name Todd Graves
Born Feb. 20, 1972
Birthplace New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S
Nationality American
Profession Entrepreneur, Restaurateur (Co-founder and CEO of Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers)
Social Media Instagram, Twitter, Facebook
Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers: Foundation of Todd Graves’s Net Worth
As we said, Raising Cane’s is the primary source of Todd Graves’s wealth. And it has been his life’s work. The fast-food chain specializes in chicken fingers. Within a few years, it has become incredibly popular in the US and around the world.
Starting from Scratch
Before Todd Graves launched his first Raising Cane’s restaurant, he faced many obstacles. His idea to start a fast-food establishment centered around fried chicken finger meals was initially turned down by several bankers. Or we could say, they couldn’t get on board with Graves’s vision. Undeterred, Graves worked laborious jobs, including taking on the role of a boilermaker in an oil refinery and salmon fishing in Alaska, to save up money. Eventually, he built the first Raising Cane’s restaurant from scratch in his home state of Louisiana, which opened in 1996.
From One Restaurant to Over 700 Locations
Raising Cane’s has since grown to over 700 locations across 29 states in the U.S. and the Middle East. The company’s website claims annual revenue exceeds $2 billion. That really makes it one of the fastest-growing fast-food companies. No wonder Graves’s net worth has grown this much today. Indeed it’s an impressive feat considering he built the company from the ground up.
Generosity and Fostering a Healthy Work Environment
Graves’s success has not changed his giving spirit or his commitment to creating a positive work environment for his employees. In 2021, Graves received an 81 percent approval rating and was voted a top CEO on Glassdoor based on more than 3,000 reviews. People around him absolutely praise him for giving back to his community. He reportedly has pledged $13 million to communities near his restaurants. In addition to that, he donated $35 million on behalf of Raising Cane’s. In 2021, he also invested $100K in ten independent restaurants struggling due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This was even captured in the Discovery+ series, Restaurant Recovery.
Taking Big Risks
The Louisiana native restaurateur, Todd is not afraid to take big risks. The evidence is his recent announcement on Twitter in July 2022. He announced that he would buy 50K Mega Millions lottery tickets. And if he wins, he would share the winnings with all 50,000 of his employees (if he won). Basically, Graves purchased $100,000 worth of lottery tickets, each costing $2, in the hopes of winning the $810 million jackpot. With each ticket costing $2, Graves actually spent $100K on those lottery tickets alone, hoping to win the $810 million prize. While it’s uncertain whether he won or not, it’s clear that Graves is willing to take big risks.
Post Malone’s Raising Cane’s Remodel
In April 2023, TMZ revealed photos of a remodeled Raising Cane’s restaurant. What’s more interesting is the famous rapper Post Malone designed the model. The restaurant features bright pink walls, flooring, and a classic 1974 Ford F-250 parked outside. Inside, customers can order the “Posty Way,” a custom meal that Post Malone created himself. This includes four chicken fingers, crinkle-cut fries, two Cane’s sauces, and two slices of Texas toast. Customers who order the meal also receive a Post Malone napkin, decal sticker, and a 32 oz. collector’s cup. The restaurant also showcases some of Post Malone’s actual guitars, framed on the walls. Todd shared some pictures of the restaurant’s opening ceremony on his social media. And guess what, Post Malone was the one to cut the ribbon.
FAQs
Is Todd Graves a billionaire?
No, Todd Graves is not a billionaire yet. However, seeing the way Raising Cane’s franchises are growing successfully, Todd will likely get that tag sooner.
Who is Todd Graves’ wife?
Gwen Graves is Todd Graves’s wife. It’s been over 20 years since they married and the couple have two children together. Though there is not much information about Graves’s family, he shares his family moments on his social media
How much does Todd Graves make a year?
It is not clear how much Todd Graves makes in a year. However, as the CEO and co-founder of Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers, he earns a significant amount of money for sure.
Can Cane’s be franchised?
Yes, the company has a franchising program and has expanded to over 29 states in the US and many locations in the Middle East.
Final Thoughts
To summarize, the success Graves’ has today, is the result of his determination, and willingness to take risks. While he’s built a successful restaurant chain from the ground up, he has given back to his community as well. And Todd Graves net worth is absolutely deserving. Both his success and fortune are likely to continue growing. Because Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers continues to expand its reach across the U.S. and beyond. Graves’ legacy as an entrepreneur is proof of what can be achieved with hard work.